brokerage is a major factor in most of my trades. Since around November, when I started on this Day/short term trading crusade, I have kept most of my trades between $1,000-$2,000, with the occasional $5,000 trade, until I get the hang of things. The Broking fee is $20 a trade ($40 for a buy + sell). Thus, the parcel I buy needs to go up by roughly 2%-4% just to cover brokerage. So in that time since November, I think my broker has made more money out of it than I have. But at least I am making a small profit, which is better than if the money were in the bank. Maybe in a year or two and if I think I'm doing alright, I will start trading some of my long term holdings and moving up into the $30k-$50k per trade bracket, where the brokerage is 0.11%.
So, Capt'n, you didn't tell us about your brokerage, would you care to share ? :)
